The Riddaren is an office/residential building in Stockholm, Sweden that was designed by 3XN and completed in 2014. The goal of the design was actually to revitalize old architectural styles that are characteristic of the surrounding space.  The building combines elements of neo-classicism and  national romanticism and borrowed the pitched roof and the fire-resistant gable from surrounding buildings. The facade has mouldings of steel with reliefs of dark colors to create a sharp distinction between the floors of the structure while incorporating transparent patterns. The facade and roof are built with oxidized brass while emphasizing light-colored woods on the frame. INterestingly, the Riddaren is actually a remodeled structure of previous version of the building.  The previous version occupied the same space before it was torn down and this new building was erected.

The Corniche Gallery is an art gallery in Abu Dhabi. The building was designed by 3XN and completed in 2010. The origami resembling structure of the building makes it an artistic sight. The folding pattern further enhance its sculptural appearance. Throughout the day, the facade adapts to the amount of sunlight available and reflects the movement in the water. The gallery supports a hovering platform, supported by triangular pillars, that provides for shade under the building in order to increase visitors’ pleasure. The structure’s open floor can be subdivided into any arrangement to make it incredibly adaptable to changes in collection and artistic demand.

The Grove Towers in Mumbai, India were designed by 3XN and construction completed in 2013. This design was meant to mimic India’s mangroves as evident by the vertical gardens at the base of each tower.  These garden stretch over 2500 m high and function to reduce the carbon dioxide in the air. Additionally, the way the towers grow into the sky was meant to mimic a cluster of slender trees. This, I assume, would be another example of biomimicry. The Grove Towers are residential spaces that include a pool, gym, and a club house and rooms include views in at least two directions: many have a visual of the mangroves to the North and others see the Indian Ocean to the West. The building’s multiple corners introduce the ability for cross ventilation which reduces the need for air conditioning. The sheer presence and appearance of the structure completely alter the surrounding landscape.

Despite the bland title, Arena is among the most creative stadiums in the world. Completed in 2010, the building is located in the Middle East and designed by 3XN. The whirlwind design along with the tan color are meant to depict a Middle Eastern Sandstorm. The purpose of the facade design is is to enclose and shade all interior spaces while allowing plentiful light to enter the structure. The structure also limits the amount of heat entered by the sun which saves energy and creates a pleasing indoor climate. Arena hosts ice hockey finals and concerts but is flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of events within a short span of time. The Arena matches the highest international standards for for aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality.

The John Cranko Ballet School is located in Stuttgart, Germany and was completed in 2011. The building was designed by 3XN. The building is comprised of several boxes that are stacked and twisted around a central spine. The lower levels contain practice facilities and dressing rooms which can be converted into a performance space. The middle level contains a cafeteria, school administration, and classrooms. There is a stairwell that connects each level and glass panels across the front to allow for visual of the surroundings. Moreover, school can have different functions occur simultaneously on different floors. the The outdoor terraces are used as relaxation and social areas.  The school is elegantly designed to reflect the activities occurring within it.

The Blue Planet in Kastrup, Denmark is the National Aquarium of Denmark. This building was designed by 3XN. It is shaped like a whirlpool to mimic water in motion. It is located on the coast to connect the sea and land. The Blue Planet is located near the Copenhagen Airport in order to allow travellers arriving by plane to sea it from the airplane which is a genius strategy to attract tourists to the aquarium. The building is covered with aluminum plates in order for the building to reflect the colors of the day, night, and environment around it just as water does. This may be an example of organic mimicry. Overall, 3XN developed a very unique and well located structure.

The Warren Theater in Moore, Ok is one of the most exotic movie theaters I’ve ever seen. A common weekend destination for many people, the Warren theater stands for something much greater to those local to Oklahoma. It symbolizes resilience and regrowth. When the devastating tornado ripped through Moore in 2013, it took parts of the theater with it. Yet, it was still able to stand firm and serve as a temporary triage center.

Then, it was quickly rebuilt into the same structure that had penetrated the hearts of every local. The big green complexes are what stand out the most to me. They give the building a crystallic image. Additionally, the classic cinema decor creates the perfect atmosphere for the film.  

The Stephenson Life Science Research Center (SLSRC) is a building on south campus that houses ongoing research in many fields such as cancer research, natural products discovery, bone regeneration, etc.  The building has two halves that are connected by a bridge (which connects all but the bottom floor). After hearing Dr. McKown speak, I wonder if it was constructed in this manner in an attempt to make it an “active building.” Additionally, I wonder if all of the empty space between the two halves that resulted from the bridge resulted in a loss of profit (as was the case with the MOSAIC Appartments). I have been an undergraduate research student for two years and have logged countless hours here. Nonetheless, it has been a rewarding experience.

Sports have a strange and unique power to unite people. That is exactly the magic I feel in the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. People of all ages and demographics congregate on Saturdays for one reason only: to watch their team win. This stadium is also considered nationally as one of the most feared places for opposing teams to play. My most memorable moment in this stadium was last year when Steven Parker batted down the pass and disrupted TCU’s 2-pt. conversion attempt. The whole place erupted! I was hugging and high-five-ing guys I didn’t even know which demonstrates sports’ ability to unify a community. Nowhere else can you hug and cheer with total strangers other than a sports arena. The clock tower in the front is a unique feature but the corners that were open next to the jumbotron always looked odd to me. I was elated this year when they completed the bowl.   Hopefully all of these renovations will lead to championship soon.

The Atlantis hotel off the Dubai coast is the epitome of lavish architecture. The place looks like it should be in an Aladdin movie. It includes a water park and multiple aquariums, including in some hotel rooms, among other features. When I visited it, I was blown away by its inventiveness. How many other buildings can claim they are built on water? Atlantis is actually a piece of a larger design called The Palm which depicts a palm tree with a crescent surrounding it. The crescent and the tree are actually connected by underwater tunnels in order to allow people to drive between them. The arch in the center of the building is the most intriguing piece to me. The purpose seems to be to highlight the building behind it (although I’m not sure what the significance of it is). Overall, the Atlantis’s beauty is derived from its magnificence and logic-defying intricacy.